Gachagua Explains Absence From Raila’s Funeral, Says Security Threats Forced Decision

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has offered a detailed explanation for his absence from the funeral of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying he stayed away after receiving intelligence warnings of a possible attack.

Speaking during a media interview, Gachagua said he had initially planned to attend both the state funeral held in Nairobi and the burial ceremony in Bondo. However, he later reconsidered after what he described as credible reports indicating that individuals had been mobilised to target him during the high-profile events.

According to the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader, the alleged plot was not only aimed at harming him but also at triggering wider tensions between communities. He claimed the intention behind the planned disruption was to create friction between the Luo and Kikuyu communities, potentially escalating into a broader national issue.

Gachagua said the gravity of the intelligence forced him to reassess his presence at what he described as a solemn and significant national moment. He maintained that attending under such circumstances could have risked overshadowing the funeral and shifting attention away from mourning to conflict. He explained that after weighing the situation, he chose to prioritise stability over visibility. In his view, the funeral of a leader of Odinga’s stature required calm and unity, and any incident involving a senior political figure could have disrupted proceedings and inflamed emotions among supporters.

The former deputy president further indicated that the threats were not limited to Nairobi. He claimed similar risks had been flagged regarding the burial in Bondo, reinforcing his decision to stay away from both events. He linked the concerns to past incidents in which he says he had been targeted in public gatherings, citing previous disruptions in areas such as Kariobangi and Mwiki. Despite his absence, Gachagua insisted that his decision should not be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. He said he had conveyed his condolences privately to the Odinga family, including reaching out to Ida Odinga, and expressed his intention to visit at a later date once appropriate arrangements are made.

He also noted that he had consulted elders from his home region, who advised that any visit to the family should be carefully planned and conducted with the necessary protocol. According to him, such a visit would involve a delegation and would serve as a gesture of unity rather than political display.

The explanation comes amid heightened political sensitivities following Odinga’s death, an event that drew leaders from across the political divide and large crowds of mourners. Gachagua’s absence had sparked speculation, particularly given his prominence in national politics and his past interactions with the late opposition leader. Analysts note that his remarks reflect the delicate balance political leaders often navigate during national events, where security concerns, public perception and political messaging intersect. His claims of a planned attack have not been independently verified, but they add another layer to the already complex dynamics surrounding the funeral.

For now, Gachagua maintains that his decision was guided by caution and a desire to avoid any incident that could have detracted from the significance of the occasion. Whether his planned visit to the Odinga family will materialise, and how it will be received, remains to be seen as the political environment continues to evolve.